this post was submitted on 01 Aug 2023
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I think its great.
Numpads feel like a keyboard wearing a padded bra. Like I get it why you would want it, but its clearly redundant and largely pointless. No shame in having just what you need and needing just what you have.
Like unless you've got a job that requires 10 key (and at that point, like brah, why even?), I fail to understand the keypad on a modern key board
Depends on what you use it for and why.
It's a lot more convenient than using the number row, especially if you have to input a bunch of numbers at once. I find it rather handy for jotting up my budget, for example. I could do it with the standard number row, but the number pad is easier and nicer to do it with.
Also good for games that have a lot of hotkeys, like Minecraft modpacks. You get more buttons.
Some people wear a padded bra for comfort, not looks. Ironic that you use the word "pointless", because the padding helps with.. points. So it can actually be quite practical.
Likewise, the numpad can be more about comfort, even for a little ol admin/service person. I use both sets of number keys depending on - well, I'm not sure, just whatever feels right.
Spoken like someone who clearly doesn't work in finance.
The numpad is essential for my work. You're not seeing it from the perspective of myself who uses it as a calculator with automatic text entry while producing documents and estimations. That is my job, and it requires the numpad/calculator layout.
Thinking of your needs, it'd be cool if there were keyboards that could attach/detach. Like say you want something for gaming it can be 60% or TKL. But then you want a full keyboard for work. You would just be able to connect it together and boom, just works right away.
This exists!
The ASUS ROG Claymore II is an 80% "optical mechanical" with a detachable numpad. Mountain also makes several TKLs and an 60% (the Everest 60) with a detachable numpad. You could also make one using the KBDcraft Kit Adam and Kit Addams.
However, I agree with the others. I think you get the best build quality using a standalone mechanical numpad. If I was going to get a split design, I'd probably get an Ergodox or Keychron Q11 QMK or something similar.
That would be incredible
I’ve been a CPA for a decade and don’t use a numpad, though I have to give credit to World of Warcraft for my ability to hit any number with ease. I’ve found you will be most efficient when you never have to leave home row with either hand, so learning to use a trackpoint also helps.